How is hospice paid for?
About two-thirds of hospice patients in New Jersey have their hospice care covered through Medicare Part A, specifically the Medicare Hospice Benefit. This benefit pays for all hospice services related to the terminal illness. Hospice is also covered under many policies of insurance companies and managed care companies. A Medicaid Hospice Benefit is available for patients who are eligible for Medicaid. Patients without Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance may pay privately for hospice care. These fees are set by the hospice agency itself, such as The Martin and Edith Stein Hospice in NJ. The hospice may choose to use a “sliding scale” for families in very difficult financial circumstances and may choose to provide care without charge in very exceptional cases. Each hospice has its own policies on these matters.
